Nico Williams has sealed a big pay rise for himself after signing a massive contract extension at Athletic Club and turning down Barcelona.
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- Williams signs deal with Athletic until 2035
- Snubs Barcelona, Bayern, Chelsea and Arsenal interest
- New release clause rises to over €95m
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Williams has signed a stunning 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club, keeping him at San Mames until 2035. The new deal drastically increases his salary and raises his release clause to over €95 million (£80m/$108m), up from the previous €60m (£50m/$69m). Despite heavy interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal, the 22-year-old opted to stay in Bilbao.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Athletic’s renewal of Williams marks a major statement of intent. With European giants circling, the Basque club pulled out all the stops to retain their star winger, offering a staggered contract with increasing pay based on performance and team results. He’ll becomethe club’s highest-paid player, ahead of his brother Inaki Williams, Unai Simon, and Oihan Sancet.
The move also gives Athletic financial protection, raising his release clause by 50 per cent as a barrier against future interest. For Barcelona, who viewed him as a top target for their rebuild, the rejection is a significant blow.
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WHAT WILLIAMS SAID
In a video filmed at the iconic Lutxana mural, he said: “When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I'm where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Go Athletic!”
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WHAT NEXT?
The Spanish winger will remain a key figure in Athletic’s Champions League campaign, continuing to wear the No.10 shirt. Williams is expected to lead the team’s European challenge and stay central to their project for years to come.
